Minimalist Montreal Loft Wedding

Pre-pandemic a classic weddings began at around 120 guests upwards. But when the pandemic occurred we had no choice but to look into the future and re-image what a small intimate wedding would look and feel like. It was a lot of change in a small period of time, and at some points it challenged our industry to the breaking point.

It’s been three years now and we’re through the thick of it. The pandemic gave us small and intimate lavish affairs that burst with embellished details and weddings tailored to each couples own identity which made each wedding unique in its own right. Brides and Grooms invested in higher quality vendors and because of their smaller guest list embellished in gorgeous floralscapes, transformative event furniture and event strayed from the usual wedding format embracing rooftop cocktail parties, alfresco dining and estate events.

It doesn’t quite register with me that it’s now been 3 years since the pandemic. Enough of a time gap that it’s seriously changed the way brides and grooms plan and envision their weddings. I am sensing a new shift, but how it will materialize is still a mystery to me. Will it change our landscape forever? Or is this another transition into our new normal. All I know is that it’s 2023 and we’re here for the small intimate weddings and I want to see more creative weddings. And with that being said Im taking a look back at one of my favourite micro weddings from 7 years ago. It’s timeless and the location is still one of Montreal’s best kept secrets for small intimate loft-like weddings in the heart of Montreal. And I'm particularly proud to share it’s feature on Ruffled. 

Styling and Coordination: TOAST Events
Photography: Laura Kelly Photography 
Hair: Topknot 
Makeup: Klava Zykova 
Dress: The Handmade Bride 
Hairpiece: White Ribbon Accents
Earrings: Sarah Walsh Bridal Jewelry
Florals: Floralia 
Menswear: L'HEXAGONE
Rings: Stór by Margot 
Invitation Suite and Live Painting: LaFabère
Decor: Makin'It Lovely
Cake & Sweets: OSSO Sweet 
Videography: Up North Wedding Films
Models: Savanah and Kyle from Angie's Models 

A MODERN WEDDING AT 50 SUSSEX

I had the pleasure of working with Pascale & Simon in design and sourcing decor elements for their wedding at 50 Sussex. Pascale, a designer herself had a wedding planner but also felt a connection with our design style and sought our professional advice in design. She had a strong vision which a-lined with everything I loved about weddings, soft modern, minimalistic and romantic. We worked with Pascale through our design process and developed visual documents, mood boards, floor plans and technical decor docs to aid her in her quest to bring her vision to life which her planner could implement for her. I wish I could take complete credit for this work but so much is owed to the bride own creativity. Her style is clearly ahead of the industry’s design curve!

Photographer: iDream Studios

Design Collaboration: Toast Events

Wedding Planner: En Amour Events

Venue: 50 Sussex

Florist: We Are Pollen nation

Brides Design Company: Smart Design

BRITTANY & ZACH HORTICULTURE BUILDING

I almost pinched myself when I walked into the Horticulture Building at 9 am to check in on set-up. There were no words. Even with partial decor I knew every design detail we worked tirelessly on was about to live it's own life.  It's one thing when you're designing on paper- but to see it all come full circle, is truly special. 

We first met Brittany when we're invited to plan her surprise proposal by Laura Kelly Photography. I had never met the bride or groom until just shortly before the proposal, when I shouted from a bush "Zach- show me the goods". (aka the ring) before I walked him to where his unsuspecting fiance-to-be was waiting. And I didn't know it then- but we were in it for the long run. 

Almost two years later Brittany and Zach tied the knot at the Basilica Notre Dame with their reception at the Horticulture Building. Brittany chose her vendors well, investing in the best of what she loved and trusted them to take her wedding from what she envisioned to something which was more beautiful then she could have ever expected. 

It was an absolute honour to plan and work with such a talented team on behalf of Brittany & Zach. 

FROM THE BRIDE:

“I can’t believe this is the subject of this email - i’m still a crying wreck today, I can’t believe how emotional I’ve been about all of this.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, from the very bottom of my heart, for everything you (and your team) did for us. Not just on Saturday but throughout the whole engagement. I’m still beyond overwhelmed at the perfection that was Saturday. Walking into that venue was a serious highlight for me.

Not only the set-up/vision (which i know included so many little touches from your own stash, which were truly breathtaking), but also the timeline, organization, and going to bat for me with the crazy people at the church - i cannot thank you enough!

I can seriously say that i look back on Saturday with zero regrets. There is not a single thing i would do differently. I honestly felt like I lived the Toast motto - i felt like the most special guest at my very own wedding reception! I let go of all of my anxiousness, nerves and stress and was able to just fully enjoy all of it!! I cannot thank you enough. Every single one of my family/bridal party who interacted with you and your team this weekend had glowing things to say. We could NOT have done it without you.

I’m so so proud of my wedding day - thank you so much, this is the best feeling!!

xox
B
”

— Brittany Dinardo

Planning & Design: Toast Events 

Photography: Laura Kelly Weddings

Video: Matt & Kat Wedding Videography

Decorator & Florist: Wedecor

Makeup: Klava Zykova

Hair: Top Knot

Stationary & Invitations: La Fabere

Cake: Serendipity Cakes

Dress: Hayley Paige 

Jewelry: Sarah Walsh Bridal

Minimalist Montreal Loft Wedding

Pre-pandemic a classic weddings began at around 120 guests upwards. But when the pandemic occurred we had no choice but to look into the future and re-image what a small intimate wedding would look and feel like. It was a lot of change in a small period of time, and at some points it challenged our industry to the breaking point.

It’s been three years now and we’re through the thick of it. The pandemic gave us small and intimate lavish affairs that burst with embellished details and weddings tailored to each couples own identity which made each wedding unique in its own right. Brides and Grooms invested in higher quality vendors and because of their smaller guest list embellished in gorgeous floralscapes, transformative event furniture and event strayed from the usual wedding format embracing rooftop cocktail parties, alfresco dining and estate events.

It doesn’t quite register with me that it’s now been 3 years since the pandemic. Enough of a time gap that it’s seriously changed the way brides and grooms plan and envision their weddings. I am sensing a new shift, but how it will materialize is still a mystery to me. Will it change our landscape forever? Or is this another transition into our new normal. All I know is that it’s 2023 and we’re here for the small intimate weddings and I want to see more creative weddings. And with that being said Im taking a look back at one of my favourite micro weddings from 7 years ago. It’s timeless and the location is still one of Montreal’s best kept secrets for small intimate loft-like weddings in the heart of Montreal. And I'm particularly proud to share it’s feature on Ruffled. 

Styling and Coordination: TOAST Events
Photography: Laura Kelly Photography 
Hair: Topknot 
Makeup: Klava Zykova 
Dress: The Handmade Bride 
Hairpiece: White Ribbon Accents
Earrings: Sarah Walsh Bridal Jewelry
Florals: Floralia 
Menswear: L'HEXAGONE
Rings: Stór by Margot 
Invitation Suite and Live Painting: LaFabère
Decor: Makin'It Lovely
Cake & Sweets: OSSO Sweet 
Videography: Up North Wedding Films
Models: Savanah and Kyle from Angie's Models 

HOW TO INCORPORATE MINIMALIST WEDDING DECOR

I'm a Scandinavian minimalist at heart. The thought of clutter gives me anxiety which seems unnecessary. Don't get me wrong, I love an over packed antique shop and do enjoy other peoples organized clutter, but not in my designs. Coco Chanel once said " Once you've dressed, before leaving the house, look in the mirror and take off one thing". And on this premiss I've adopted certain personal rules which translate into my design philosophy. Quality over quantity. 

Minimalism isn't based on not having a stick of furniture in your house or living like your in an art gallery. Minimalism to me, means that all my possessions must have a purpose or some sort of significance behind them. For example, when I travel I will always buy a pair of shoes so that when I wear them I can relive those experiences. Sentimental right ?! 

So in design i'll often tell my clients to choose one "impact visual" that is meaningful to them, (which I call "the piece de resistance"), and then focus on adding a layer of complimentary details that will convey their personal style. And that's it folks! That my friends is my basic principle. 

To help you see what I'm talking about and to give you some idea's on how to incorporate this growing movement into your wedding design......i've had a little bit of fun on Pinterest. 

A minimalist mindset is all about not succumbing to every day consumerism. The "need" vs. "want". And when it boils down to weddings, it's easy for any of us to go over-board. But it's also all about feeling free, making creative choices without the fuss. Exhibit A: The wedding dress. A simple toned down gown with a striking detail will most certainly be fit for the minimalist and modernist. 

It's always been said "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". Naturally I beg to differ. I believe beauty is conveyed through the feeling of confidence, and with that comes radiance. Even though it's your wedding day, be true to yourself. Forget the acrylic nails and false eye lashes. Rather embrace your natural beauty with makeup that will enhance your features rather than sculpt your face. In a world full of Kardashian's, be a Diana. 

A great way in making your dinero's work for you, is by re-using florals from your ceremony and incorporating them into your reception. This could be taking garlands from your ceremony arbour and placing them on your kings head table or adding the aisle candles to guest reception tables. 

One might ask, why can't I......have all my bridesmaids dress in white? And to that I say, YES!!!!! DO IT!!!! Not only is it monochromatic and pleasing to the eye, it also takes the pressure away from "all eyes" on the bride. Besides, everyone knows who you are, no need to stick out like a soar thumb, especially if your shy.  If your not keen on this color scheme think Polar bear white bridesmaids dresses or change up the color of your wedding dress to a gorgeous dove grey, nude or even blush.

Because minimalism takes a required effort to "reduce ones life" to live life more simply, we can assume this takes some hands-on creativity. In a wedding this might include D.I.Y packaged handmade soaps, water color invitations with hand-calligraphy or even a modest butter cream cake home baked. 

So there you have it. A few key ways to include the minimalist look into your wedding. This blog post could have easily been minimum 8 pages longer....but I had to cut it short. After all, I'm a minimalist ;)

*Please note all pictures included in this blog post are from Pinterest and are not from any wedding or style shoot Toast has curated. We applaud each creative mind behind these gorgeous images.